Wilshere hoping to get back to his best

13 November 2012 05:47

Jack Wilshere is convinced he will soon to get back to the kind of form which led to him being branded England's saviour.

The 20-year-old made his comeback after 17 months out with a foot injury against QPR last month and has since gone on to play two more games for the Gunners. Roy Hodgson was so impressed with Wilshere's form since his return he called the midfielder in to his England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Sweden.

Wilshere himself has been encouraged by the way he has played since he came back, and told Arsenal Player: "I'm quite surprised actually. When I first played in the [under-21s], I was really rusty and I think it was clear for everyone to see. Everyone was just being nice to me saying 'you played well'."

He went on: "Now I'm feeling better and better as every game goes on. There's no hiding place when you're playing at the Emirates, at Old Trafford and you're in front of everyone. You have to be at a certain standard so you don't let your team-mates and your fans down.

"Mentally it has been tough because you question yourself all the time. You go to the Emirates, you watch games and you think 'Has it got quicker? I don't remember it being this quick. Can I get back to this level that I was at before?' But I feel good now and hopefully, with a few more games, I can get back to my best."

Wilshere played 54 times for club and country in the 2010-11 season.

The player's confidence and creativity prompted comparisons with Paul Gascoigne, who captured the imagination of England fans for the best part of a decade with his performances in midfield.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has urged caution regarding Wilshere, saying recently he may need time to "get his burst back" and the player himself agrees.

"I know exactly what he means by that," he said "The boss always says it to me when he's reminding me to do my gym work and train hard.

"It just means literally the first five yards. That was one of my strengths of my game - the first five yards, to beat a player. He says it's slowly coming back so hopefully it will come back soon."